"I'm interested in working with this company because I've always liked the products that this store provides. I thought it would be a great opportunity to be part of a company that also has a really positive and progressive culture. I feel this would be a great place to work while I finish school, and I would be open to growing within the company."

"Yes, I do have retail experience. I worked at another clothing retail store while I was attending a university last summer. I really enjoyed that experience and learned a lot about working in a retail store, like product placement, merchandising, stocking shelves, and using the cash register. Those were some of the primary duties I had at my previous job, so I believe I'm well prepared for this one."

"At my previous job, there were moments when we didn't have many customers in the store. During those slow times, I would stock shelves, reorganize, and clean the store and also check the expiration date of perishable items. When these duties were complete, I would consult my supervisor about what to do next. I try to manage my time to ensure I get to every task done during the day."

"One time, there was a customer that came into the store irate and upset because we ran out of a product that they desperately wanted. They were yelling at me because the company website said the item was in stock, but we didn't have it. I spoke calmly to the customer, explained that I understood their feelings, and then told them that I could call the nearest store to see if they had the product in stock."

"I would be honest and say that I don't know but I can find out for them. Then I'd go ask my supervisor or a colleague who does have the answer to the question. If it's something I can resolve, then I will. If not, then I'll watch and listen to my colleague or supervisor as they resolve the problem so I know what to do next time."

"The first thing I would do is bring the item to the customer's attention as I'm checking them out. I'd briefly explain why I love the product and why I think they might love it as well. I would speak in a friendly and casual tone to make them more receptive to my words. Finally, I'd ask them if they want to try it without making them feel pressured."

"I work well with others because it's something I enjoy. At my previous job, we had a system for getting our work done. Everyone fulfilled their duties, and if someone needed help, then we all helped them to complete the task quickly. It was a very team-oriented job, and that experience helped me to become an efficient team player."

"There was a time when a colleague and I were the last two people at the store, and we stayed behind to finish preparing the store for the next morning. We got into a conflict because my colleague didn't finish their part of the work and in doing so, held back my work. To resolve the issue, I remained cordial and helped them complete their part and brought it to the attention of the manager the following day."

"If a customer comes into the store to return an item but doesn't have the receipt, then the first thing I'd do is explain to them the return policy. I would remain professional and polite but firm in my explanation. If the store has an email receipt option, then ask the customer if they have an e-receipt. If they don't, and they continued to escalate the matter further, then I'd seek out my supervisor for assistance."

"The best way to provide excellent customer service is by ensuring that I'm always empathetic to a customer's feelings. Understanding a customer's concerns and trying to assist them to the best of my ability is my method. I also try to accommodate the needs of each customer and make them feel welcome. I think it's also really important that I always maintain a calm disposition and a pleasant attitude, even when a customer's upset."

"There was a time when a customer rushed into our store a few minutes before we closed, and that customer was desperately looking for an item they needed for a special event the next day. Normally, the customer wouldn't have had enough time to find the item before closing, but I stayed behind after my shift to help the customer look for their item."

"In this type of situation, I'd try to accommodate the needs of both customers without making them feel as if I wasn't addressing their concerns. While talking to the first customer, I'd politely tell the second customer to hold on for just a moment. Depending on how long it takes me to help the first customer, I may call over a colleague to assist the second customer so they wouldn't have to wait long."

"If I spotted a shoplifter, I wouldn't confront the person directly in order to maintain a calm environment and not provoke an escalation. I'd quietly tell my supervisor what's happening and let them handle it. I think the safest thing to do is to be discreet, so as not to cause alarm to the other customers."

"My biggest weakness is that I sometimes move slowly. I'm very meticulous about the work I do, and I like to do it right the first time. But in achieving this, I probably don't move as fast as I should. I'm still trying to find a balance between efficiency and productivity. What I've learned recently is that a job doesn't have to be perfect for it to be done right. So keeping this in mind might help me work faster."

"One of my biggest strengths is my customer service skills. I was able to develop this trait after years of working in retail. I'm also great at math, so this is something I think can help me at the cash register. I can ensure that, at the end of a shift, money is always accurate and properly counted."